The Team – Proudly living and working in South Africa!

I am German and my career started in the travel industry in Germany in 1989, where I worked for corporate implant travel agencies and an incentive house. Through my work, I travelled all over the world and executed incentive programmes. In 1996 I planned to get some work experience in South Africa for just one year – and I have never left. The diverse Rainbow Nation inspires me each day and with our many social programmes, we are able to give something back to them as well. Every year I travel to another African Country to explore remote areas and National Parks. This continent has so much to offer! My business-partner Debbie de Villiers and I founded Terra Nova in 2000 and thanks to our wonderful clients and constant new challenges, I have never looked back. What keeps me going? … I am still learning something new each day!

e-mail: christine@terra-nova.co.za

I started my career in the hotel industry in 1986 in Johannesburg before re-locating to Cape Town three years later. I continued in the hotel industry before moving into Incentive Travel in 1997. I love Southern Africa because it has soul and her soul is imbedded in mine. Above all, the hospitality and friendliness of the people of Southern Africa is heart-warming. Southern Africa touches people’s hearts in a special way, whether you live here or are visiting. Along with my partner at Terra Nova, Christine and our dynamic team, I am committed to developing exciting ideas to include in our programmes, which include elements that re-generate a positive energy and offer a beacon of hope for the local people. I value customer relations and enjoy being part of a strong team that has a positive impact on customer retention and sales.

e-mail: debbie@terra-nova.co.za

Born and grown up in Austria I always looked beyond the borders and started travelling as soon as possible. When I arrived in South Africa in 1985 it became clear to me that I wanted to stay and explore the country for some time – and I have not looked back since. During my travels here in South Africa my passion for the changing, developing and growing country was born. After working as a tour-guide, I have been with Terra Nova since the beginning in the year 2000. This inspiring country makes me want to share the love and fulfilment I have found, with all visitors of the world and achieve everlasting memories. “Come and experience it for yourself”.

e-mail: inge@terra-nova.co.za

As a Capetonian I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I started my working career as a Kindergarden Teacher but I soon realized my passion lay elsewhere. I started with Terra Nova in 2006 and have never looked back, as I’ve learned so much and met so many exciting people. I find it most rewarding to see the look of pure amazement on our guests’ faces when they experience all Southern Africa has to offer. We have the good fortune to share our daily lives with so many cultures and so many experiences and I cannot wait to share these diversities with every new visitor to our country.

e-mail: jolene@terra-nova.co.za

Born and raised in Germany, I developed an early interest in exploring different cultures and had a good excuse to leave the country after finishing school. My first stop was Chicago where I lived and worked in the tourism industry before studying Tourism Management back in Germany. A study exchange programme took me to Durban – my first taste of South Africa. I fell in love with the country and permanently moved to Cape Town in 2004. Shortly afterwards, I joined Terra Nova and continue doing what I love most: creating memorable and unique experiences for our guests in Southern Africa. Seeing the excitement and happiness in their eyes during a helicopter flip down to Cape Point or while spotting their first lions on a game drive makes me appreciate the beauty of my “new” home even more. A truly amazing place to live!

e-mail: saskia@terra-nova.co.za

I am a true Winelands girl – having been born and raised in the Paarl/Stellenbosch region you would imagine one can become accustomed to the scenery, but I am still amazed by the spectacular beauty of my valley every time I am there. After finishing a degree in Language and Culture at the University of Stellenbosch, I packed my bags and spent about two years travelling and working in South America and although my heart beats 100% Africa, I have adopted Argentina, Bolivia and Peru as my special places.
It is clear that at Terra Nova one thing we all have in common is a very special love and appreciation for Southern Africa. I am looking forward to sharing this love with guests by creating super magical experiences that will continue to inspire and enthuse visitors long after they have returned home. This honour is made possible by working within the dynamic, vibrant and diverse Terra Nova team. Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabuntu – a person is a person through other persons.

e-mail: nicola@terra-nova.co.za

I was born in Sweden, but I lived most of my life in Italy, in the region of Liguria in Alassio, one of most beautiful towns on the Italian Riviera, where I have started to work in the Tourism Industry. Since my childhood, I have travelled to South Africa several times and one day I just decided to move to this beautiful country, to experience a new lifestyle and meet different cultures. After working for an airline, I got the opportunity to develop the Italian market for Terra Nova, where I am able to create different travel options in Southern Africa, and learn more about this unique country. I love to cook or to just get out and explore the different Wine farms in our area, where you can experience the best food ever, without missing the Italian cuisine from home !!!

e-mail: daniele@terra-nova.co.za

My working career started in Spain, for different incentive houses gaining extensive experience in the organization of events and incentives for the Spanish market. Since October 2009 I have been part of the Terra Nova Team, leading the Spanish and Portuguese inbound market. ´The best part of my job is having the opportunity to create and share unique experiences with visitors, which is made possible by working within the professional and knowledgeable team at Terra Nova. In my spare time I used to travel the world with my friends… Now that I live in one of the most beautiful cities of the world, most of my time is used travelling throughout Southern Africa. I also like to play tennis every day, the movies and dining out with friends.

e-mail: joseluis@terra-nova.co.za

Proudly South African, I was born in Johannesburg and am now happily living in Cape Town. Besides the office administration, I am very fortunate to be involved in organizing various social projects for our clients, which gives me the opportunity to get to know all kinds of different people. There are so many exciting and uplifting initiatives evolving in our communities, which has given me the opportunity to make a difference in a corporate social responsibility sense.

e-mail: alison@terra-nova.co.za

I was born in Namibia and have lived here most of my life. After studying and working in Stellenbosch I moved to London, working in various Investment Banks arranging Business Travel. I returned to Namibia after travelling through Europe and Australia and discovered my passion for Tourism. I believe that growing up on a farm has always nurtured a special love for Namibia, its nature, animals and its people and I am fortunate enough that I am in position where I am able to share this passion with visitors to our unique country. Creating that unforgettable memory and seeing people be infected with “Smiling Africa” is the biggest reward for me.

e-mail: simone@terra-nova.com.na

I was born on a farm called Sorris-Soris in Damaraland but have lived in Swakopmund for most of my life. After school I started working for a local tour operator and in six years I slowly worked my way up from office receptionist to office administrator and finally Junior Tour Consultant. After deciding that I needed a new challenge I joined the Terra Nova Team. I realized that I have a soul connection with nature, mountains and the ocean and I enjoy creating exciting Itineraries for guests that they will never forget for the rest of their lives.

e-mail:info@terra-nova.com.na

Growing up in Namibia, I have a pride engrained in me that makes me want to share this wondrous place with people. Initially, I had set out to become a journalist but quickly realized it was not my true calling. It was during my studies that I discovered a passion for travel and photography, coupled with my love for wildlife, a career change was inevitable. Being part of a company that not only explores Africa but also works closely with wildlife conservation projects and humanitarian projects is incredibly exciting.

e-mail: nikki@terra-nova.com.na